Growlers: Lost Forty Cherry Druid, Stone's Throw MacPark Common, Diamond Bear Honey Weiss

Never content to simply release a new brew, Lost Forty Brewing is once again offering up a riff on a relatively new debut. For today’s Freshcut Monday, the brewery is releasing Cherry Druid, an experimental mixed-culture stout. A couple of months ago, Lost Forty released Druid, which itself was a barrel-aged spin on a milk stout sour. Cherry Druid takes the same Forrest Queen milk stout base aged 12 months in red wine barrels and referments it on sour cherries. I got a sample of it a couple of weeks ago and found it complex and beautiful, with spiced wine and sour stone fruit notes. This one is only available in large-format bottles to go, and there is a limited number, so be sure to get there early. Lost Forty is pretty busy the rest of the week, too, hosting new Honduran food truck El Sur Street Food Co. Wednesday, a Fassler Hall takeover also on Wednesday, and a tap takeover at Brewski’s on Thursday.
Stone’s Throw Brewing this week has a brand new release for its #NewBrewFriday event. MacPark Common goes on tap Friday at 4 p.m. at the MacPark location. MacPark Common is similar to the brewery’s Dortmunder Export Lager but fermented at a warmer temperature. This results in a bit more body ad flavor for a beer that should still be light and refreshing. Stone’s Throw is brewing this one in advance of the MacPark 5k next week. By the way, we have to start using the MacPark designation because Stone’s Throw Stifft Station is very close to opening its doors. We will have a First Look at the new taproom in the very near future.
Diamond Bear Brewing Company has a storied brew returning to its tapwall and its canned beer menu. Honey Weiss is back this Saturday at a launch party from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Arkansas Ale House. Honey Weiss is a pale wheat ale finished with a touch of Arkansas honey for a light, slightly sweet taste. Just 12 years ago, it won the bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival for American-style wheat beer. Also getting its debut release is Red Honey Haze, a play on the Honey Weiss ale. Red Honey Haze is an unfiltered red IPA also made with Arkansas honey. It will be available Saturday both on tap and in cans to go.
Nothing new on tap this week from Rebel Kettle, which just released its Breakfast Club imperial porter to some rave reviews last week. However, the brew team wanted me to remind everyone that its annual Beer and Loathing in Little Rock event is back on Saturday, May 18. This is Rebel Kettle’s third birthday celebration, and you absolutely don’t want to miss it. Live music and a barrel-aged beer booth, as well as food trucks and drink specials will make it well worth your time.
By the way, you can catch both Rebel Kettle, Stone’s Throw and Flyway Brewing this coming weekend at the Italian Food and Culture Festival at the Clinton Presidential Center. The festival starts on Friday and ends on Sunday, so you have plenty of time to go check out the festivities.
Do you have any beer news to share with us? Email steveshuler@gmail.com.